About Pandit Charka

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka is Director of the East-West School of Dance in Monroe, NY.

He has studied under Pt. R.K. Shukla, Smt. Maya Rao, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, and Pt. Birju Maharaj. Pt. Charka is recognized as one of the foremost exponents of Indian classical dance. He has presented numerous ballets and traditional Indian dance recitals both domestically and internationally. He also served as a cultural representative appointed by the Government of India in Japan, Australia and the Fiji Islands. In addition, he was selected as the premier artist in major festivals at the Sydney Opera House for four consecutive years.

Over the last 25 years, he has presented numerous traditional dance recitals as well as dance dramas, bringing myth to life for today's audiences. Since 1981, he has been the director of the East-West School of Dance, New York, based at Ananda Ashram, while expanding his teaching activities in the wider New York metropolitan area and presenting performances internationally. He is a very caring Guru and is untiring in his efforts to spread the beauty of Kathak dance.

Calendar

Please contact us to confirm dates and details.

Photo Gallery

Images Courtesy Pandit Satya Narayana Charka

Productions

This dance-drama on the epic story of the Ramayana has held audiences spellbound by creating a magical storyworld of bright colors, enchanting live music, lyrical dances and captivating production multimedia. In brief, it is the story of the noble prince Rama who is exiled from his kingdom and is forced to wander in the forest for 14 years with his beloved wife, Sita, and his brother. After the demon king Ravana abducts Sita, Rama conquers him in battle and rescues his wife Sita. It is an ancient tale of war between good and evil.

"..the essence of all world religions, psychology, philosophy and logic." "The Ramayana will reveal the truth of all mysticism."
Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
"The choreography, costumes and selection of music form a passionate center of ambience..."
International Ramayana Conference, Houston 1997

Shakuntala is a Sanskrit musical dance-drama which brilliantly interweaves love, romance, tragedy, sorrow and reunion, seen through the wisdom of the poet Kalidas. King Dushyanta meets the beautiful Shakuntala while hunting in the forest and secretly marries her. Thereafter, the king is affected by a curse that causes him to forget his new love. Ultimately, he is reunited with Shakuntala and with his son Bharat, who becomes the emperor of India.
Shakuntala in North Indian Kathak style is unique, the first of its kind to be brought out in the USA. International talents have contributed to this one-of-a-kind production: Mrs. Maya Rao, director of NIKC in India, who was a consultant for the Russian Ballet of Shakuntala, is a main source in the creation of this production. Also, legendary Kathak Master Pandit Birju Maharaj has developed and guided unique choreography patterns, building final crescendos into the production.
"Wouldst thou the earth and heaven itself in one sole name combine? I name thee Shakuntala, and all at once is said."
Goethe, German poet

A colorful presentation of the stories of Krishna from Indian mythology, performed in classisal Indian Kathak style. Lord Krishna is considered a god who takes human form on Earth. In one of the episodes, he is seen as a mischievous child, playing pranks on his mother with his friends. As he grows, he battles with Kaliya Naag, the king of serpents, plays with the cowherd maidens (Gopikas) of his village, and meets his divine lover, Radha. Finally he dances with Radha and the Gopikas on the night of the full moon, in the ecstatic dance of the "Maha Raas".

"Krishna Leela ... beautifully, extraordinarily well presented ... the production really is worthy of high praise ..."
Raja Mrigendra Singh of Patiala

This highly symbolic mythological story taken from the Kena Upanishad is presented as a multimedia production combining modern dance, ballet, Kathak dance and a chorus with special effects.

The theme of this dance-drama is the human struggle to bring the celestial river Ganga from heaven down to earth, for the betterment of the entire human race. The music is orchestrated by renowned composer and sitar artist from India, Mr. Rash Behari Datta.

Awards

1961: Adjudicated the "Best Classical Dancer" in the All-India Music and Dance Competition, Hyderabad.

1964: Adjudicated the "Bhat" (Premier Artist) title in classical dance by the Andhra Pradesh Artist Social and Cultural Co-operative Organization, Hyderabad.

1965: "Awards of Merit" in the 3rd Andhra Pradesh India University Youth Festivals - representing Osmania University, Hyderabad.

1974: Adjudicated the "Cultural Ambassador" title at the Asia University, Tokyo.

1977: "Awarded Plaque" by H.M. the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Celebrations at the Sydney Opera House, Australia.

1987: "Pandit" by Arya Spiritual Center of N.Y. Confirmed by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, Ananda Ashram, N.Y.

1992: "Acharya" of Dance and Dance-Drama by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, at the occasion of Shakuntala premiere performance, Ananda Ashram, N.Y.

1994: "Sanskriti Bhushan" - by Pt. Ram Lal, at the occasion of Ramayana performance, Ananda Ashram, N.Y.

2008: "Lifetime Achievement Award" Aum Events, Naach Revolution, New York, NY.

Press Comments

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka: dancing into global hearts …a raconteur who has taken Indian stories to different parts of the world through his dance. (he) has made Kathak accessible to hundreds of American students… Pt Charka and his students from the US were recently in Bangalore on the invitation of Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, which was also part of their four-city tour in India. … Pt Charka himself performed two pieces, enthralling the gathering with his flawless moves, expressions and an agility that belies his age …"It's culture which makes the business of living richer," (he says). "It is this force that prompts me to keep the torch of culture lit in our hearts and minds"… With a cultural ambassador like Pt Charka, the East indeed does meet the West!
Deccan Herald, Bangalore India

NATIONS UNITE IN PASSIONATE MUSIC AND DANCE SHOW For Mr. Charka, this was the second such collaboration. He says the audiences connect because of the strong narrative and emotional content. "What we express with our faces is as important as our dancing" he explains "Kathak and Flamenco dance are both based on telling stories"
Times Herald, upstate NY

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka implements narrative gestures and subtle eye movements alongside Del Conte's fluid turns and seductive flourishes. Intertwining their bodies as they do the dance styles they are mixing, the four dancers execute identical footwork combinations, pairing the clicks of nailed heels with the jingle of ankle bells.
The Village Voice, NYC

Satya Narayana Charka brought to his dancing power, intelligence and a variety of acting moods which mark him as a truly creative artist. The technical brilliance of his dances is matched by the beauty of his costumes. His has been an important contribution to the world of art.
Beth Dean, Sydney Opera House

Breathtaking, superb, classic...all credit to Satya Narayan Charka.
The Indian Express, Bombay

Satya Narayana Charka's dances are swirls of vivid color...his Kathak duet with Fumiko Yazawa is believed first of its kind by Indo- Japanese artists.
The Japan Times, Tokyo

His Kathak rises to a sparkle when he suddenly leaps to demonstrate...
Decon Herald, Banglore

Charka's dance...I had the impression of being present in a graceful dream...
Whole Life Times, New York

Charka held the audience spellbound as he displayed his magical footwork with lightning speed...
India West, California

Throughout his performance Charka stunned the audience with his whirlwind spins and intricate footwork. At times he was able to vibrate his body while standing in a straight position almost to the point of levitation...
The Beacon, Tennessee

"Festival of India"...Charka's Kathak dance has evolved to the highest degree of virtuosity...
Staten Island Advance, New York

Kathak Mahotsav...Charka in the title role convincingly brought out the
nobility as well ask the psychology of Karna...
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Guru Maya Rao's Natya Institute of Kathak & Choreography celebrated 30th anniversary...announced a dance drama on Karna in Kathak style in Bangalore on May 13th, 1995...Charka developed Karna as a dance drama ...highlighted positive aspects of character...set an example for choreography...very significant...
Indian Express, Bangalore, India

Video Gallery

Videos Courtesy Pt. Satya Narayana Charka

Class Schedule

EAST-WEST SCHOOL OF DANCE AT ANANDA ASHRAM

Address: 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950
Contact: (845) 783-7514 , (845) 782-5575.
Time: Every Tuesday 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM

DOUGLAS GRAFFLIN SCHOOL
Address: 650 King St., Chappaqua, NY 10514
Contact: (914) 238-6012
Time: Every Wednesday 4:30 PM

LOTUS MUSIC & DANCE STUDIO
Address: 109 West, 27th St., 8th Fl., NYC, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 627-1076
Time: Every Thursday 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM

HERRICKS COMMUNITY CENTER
Address: 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park, L.I., NY 11040
Contact: (845) 783-7514
Time: Every Friday 4:00 PM

HINDU CENTER
Address: 45-52 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11355 (classes are behind the temple at 137-65 Holly Ave.)
Contact:(845) 783-7514, Temple: (718) 358-6726
Time: Every Saturday 12:15 PM

ACROSS THE FLOOR, SCHOOL OF DANCE & GYMNASTICS
Address: 97 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Contact: (845) 783-7514, Studio: (732) 726-9090
Time: Every Sunday 10:00 AM

HINDU TEMPLE & CULTURAL CENTER
Address: Brown Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Contact:(845) 783-7514, Temple: (845) 297-9061
Time: Every Sunday 4:30 PM

Kathak Dance

Kathak is the classical dance of North India. The word Kathak is derived from the word Katha, means "a story", and hence the word Kathak means a storyteller who recounted mythological tales in the temples and danced them in a state of ecstasy. Having its origin in the sacred text known as the Natya Shastra, said to be divinely inspired through the sage Bharata, it has become one of the most comprehensive and expressive language of movement in the world. It is hoped that East-West School's creative cultural exchange, inspired by a spirit of true cooperation between East and West, will continue to blossom and ultimately contribute to global healing and peace.

The combination of physical and mental discipline inherent in the study of the art of dance along with the joy experienced in creative expression has been found to be very therapeutic and especially beneficial for young students in their overall development.

Ongoing beginning and intermediate classes in North Indian Classical Kathak Dance are held at a several locations in the New York Metropolitan area. The dance school incorporated a formal syllabus under the guidance of Guru Srimati Maya Rao and Pandit Birju Maharaj, both well known dance masters of India. There are 3 levels of basic training, followed by 3 more years of theory and practical study after which the students qualify to take exams for a diploma.

Contact Us

For all inquires, including program booking, please contact

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka
Director, East-West School of Dance
Ananda Ashram
13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950
Tel: 845.783.7514 or 845.782.5575
Fax: 845.774.7368
Email: charkasn@yahoo.com

Email the webmaster at panditcharka@gmail.com